Nolan Patrick is widely considered on top of the player rankings for next year’s draft class. The 18-year-old center is terrific with the puck and the type of prospect that could lead a team for the next decade. The young Canadian is likely headed to Columbus, but if the Leafs struggle again this season, look for Toronto to nab Patrick and pair the young man with Auston Matthews, a pairing that could finally make this franchise a regular contender for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Timothy Liljegren is ranked as the top defensive prospect and should be a top-5 pick next summer. The 17-year-old is terrific on both ends of the ice, but will need to add some muscle to become an elite player. The young Swedish star could begin his career with the Leafs or Edmonton, depending on how these teams play this season.
The NHL will welcome a new team into the league next year. Las Vegas will look to come out swinging, but it will take some talent and patience before this franchise becomes a contender. Finding players that can put the puck in the net will be a priority and the latest mocks have the team looking for a scoring winger.
Klim Kostin and Maxime Comtois are the two names linked with the fledgling organization. Both of these young men are terrific with the puck and could become the face of the new franchise for the next few years and hopefully lead this side to their first-ever playoff experience.
Several teams will look for help between the pipes and this years class is deep at goalie. Ian Scott could be the most polished of this group and a sure-fire first round selection. Look for Tampa Bay and Chicago to add some depth at the net and Scott could be the answer.
